Monday, July 24, 2017

18 July 17 - Galactic Empire

In a galaxy far, far away …okay, not that far, far, far away …there was an music adventure,
blogspot readers. For SouthSide, it was a galactic experience, which included
many months of nagging and stalking a particular band to perform.

And guess what? Her ‘hard’ work and efforts paid off.

Yes, blogspot readers, SouthSide is the ultimate Star Wars
nerd …she has been one before it was fashionably cool to be a fanboy/girl after
growing within the generation that watched the original trilogy (Episodes IV –
VI) on the big screen. The prequels (Episodes I – III) and Rogue One totally
re-ignited the Star Wars franchise for the next generation and beyond. Episode
VII, to be honest, was this reviewer’s biggest disappointment. In her opinion,
the movie seemed rushed and confusing.

Enter Galactic Empire. This Star Wars-themed, cosplay metal band took
over Chicago’s Cobra Lounge for one awesome one-night only performance
that included other rockin’ acts Luca, Guardrail and Dangerkids – currently sharing the tour bill with Galactic Empire as they invade the US on their "We Got Company US Tour
2017". SouthSide highly recommends checking the intense, energized performance
by opening act Dangerkids. Established from Dayton, Ohio, this 5-member metal rock band
incorporates continuous head-banding anthems, bouncing energy that’s not just
contained to the stage but amongst their highly enthused fans too, and one
totally awesome female drummer on the kit, blogspot readers! Meet Katie and she
rocked the kit from start to finish like no other drummer this reviewer has
seen before. Besides the metal sound and music with some lyrical rap and
screamo, SouthSide found something interesting about Dangerkids that truly had
her hooked. It was the message behind the lyrics. Taking personal experiences
and writing songs about them, lead vocalist Tyler inspired the young audience
members at this all-ages show to believe in their dreams …no matter what their
struggle or dream, he challenged them as well as everyone else to go for it.
And that’s what kids today needed to hear. It’s possible to achieve your
dreams. Don’t let anyone bring you down, blogspot readers. Songs like Inside
Out, Light Escape (a very deep and emotional song ...definitely tug at the heart) and album title track Blacklist wowed this reviewer into
checking out more by Dangerkids such as Kill Everything (the band coming back
from the “dead”) and If Collapse (battling yourself and your demons). Plus,
added bonus – this band gives great hugs. So after the show, hang out with them
and get hugged! Currently on tour with Galactic Empire this summer, they are
working on finalizing details for an autumn tour, blogspot readers. In the
meanwhile, check out SouthSide’s new friends, Dangerkids, at http://www.wearedangerkids.com and
on Facebook …but she certainly recommends seeing this band live as the best way
to introduce yourself to this hot rockin’ band

.

Good versus evil …from epic space battles to the sweeping hot
desert sands of Tatooine and underwater world of Naboo …memorable characters and an operatic storyline that
everyone knows since 1977. Now, you can add one more element, blogspot readers – taking
the iconic franchise movie theme music to a whole different level in which fans
of all ages will thoroughly enjoy. SouthSide highly recommends checking out
Galactic Empire while they’re currently invading the US during their summer 2017 tour. This
metal band has taken John Williams’ Star Wars themed music and flipped it into
a hardcore head-banging metal sound WITHOUT skimping or missing any memorable
note and rhythm. They have perfectly recreated each Academy-award winning composition
to fit a heavy guitar-driven and rhythmic drum rock band that has garnered a
rapidly growing fan base around the world. And it’s not just the music, the
entire band dresses in the iconic costumes to enhance your viewing experience.
There was Dark Vadar as lead guitarist, Boba Sett on drums, Shadow Ranger on
guitar, Bass Commander on bass and Red Guard on guitar along with an Imperial
minion as stage manager. They’re definitely not wearing cheap costume remakes
either …except for the footwear since it was a steamy summer night when
SouthSide recently saw them. Throughout the headlining performance, this
reviewer was wowed and amazed by the tiniest attention to details …loving the
vocal verbiage of Darth via Dark Vadar taunting a rebel named “Tim” into joining the
dark side to the lighting sequence and stage props to immerse everyone, young
and old, into a Star Wars atmosphere as well as an audience member experiencing one
of Dark's infamous death choke on stage because he’s a traitor working with
the rebel alliance.

That poor audience member had no chance against the power
of the dark side, blogspot readers. To say, SouthSide was a total geek during
this performance would be an understatement. She was SO stoked o finally see
Galactic Empire live …up close and personal enjoying such tracks like the Main
Theme, Duel of the Fates and The Forest Battle (Dark hates the cuddly Ewoks).
The best moment of the night was when Galactic rocked out Cobra Lounge with
their metal version of the Cantina Band theme song …watch for the Imperial
minion/stage manager liven up stage with his dancing, blogspot readers. To not
reveal any more spoilers about a live Galactic Empire performance, this
reviewer will end her review here by re-iterating her recommendation – go see
this Star Wars-themed metal band live and snag a their debut CD too (other
merch include t-shirts, pins, posters) while they’re touring the states. Check
out their hilarious videos posted on their Facebook. SouthSide loved their
latest one showing the parsec run to the nearest Taco Bell. For tour dates and
ticket information, visit the band’s Facebook page. Also visit Galactic’s
YouTube page. You would be wise to attend this most impressive show, blogspot
readers.

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About Me

Who is SouthSide?
Well, she's Chicago's only partyin' local scene queen who covers (mostly) everything that's rockin' a venue, fest, art show and more for over a decade. And was at one time photographed as one of Chicago's Very Own (WGN-TV's ad campaign).
She enjoys hanging out with bands from around town as well as nationally and internationally ...plus has interviewed many famous rock icons like Don Brewer, Rudy Sarzo, V Is For Villains, Nate Z, Valerie Pettiford, Emilio Castillo and more.
She has met and reviewed bands like The Parlotones (from South Africa), Lenhen (from Austria), Chateau Marmont (from France), 30 Seconds to Mars, Tower of Power, Lucid Ground, Grand Funk Railroad, The Polkaholics and many, many more.
She hopes you enjoy reading about her adventures in this blog as much as she has experienced them.